Skating vision for Preston’s Moor Park after Lottery cash secured

Vision: An artist's impression of the planned skate park at Moor Park in Preston

This is the first look at blueprints for the transformation of Preston’s Moor Park, after funding was rubber stamped by Lottery bosses today.

Last week the Evening Post revealed that Preston Council had successfully applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £1,725,000 towards the £2.2m plan.

The project includes the creation of a regional skate park as well as improvements to the tree stock, entrance features, main car park, the recreation of an ornamental garden and the refurbishment of a stone grotto.

The funding will also provide additional gardeners to ensure the park and lake is maintained to a higher standard once the project is complete.

Coun Robert Boswell, cabinet member for community and environment, said: “This is truly great news for the people of Preston. We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund have given us this support.

“We will see the biggest single investment in Moor Park since it was set out in the 1860’s and we are very excited to be able to deliver these improvements.”

Alongside restoration of historic features including bandstands and gatehouses, and the installation of new community facilities including children’s play areas, this funding will also deliver a range of activities designed to help parks across the UK to be more sustainable.

In Moor Park, the money will help to develop skills for community volunteers as part of a training programme and activity plan, which is hoped will increase the number of visitors to the park.

The grant is part of a wider investment of £34.5million of Lottery money to 13 parks across the UK.